Yesterday, off site, I saw my first butterflies of the year (Brimstone, Peacock & Small Tortoiseshell) so I had been looking forward to the opportunities Durlston might offer. However, an easterly wind reaching 20mph at times, meant it was difficult to see birds let alone butterflies!
However, a Pheasant Cock crowed somewhere near the Small Copse whilst a Magpie chose an Ant Hill as a perch amongst the downland. The tidal race was visible of St. Alban’ s head whilst locally the sea had a rolling swell. Occasionally light wind movement of metal plates upon the measured mile markers produced a rattle. Carrying something in its beak, a Shag rose from near the gully mouth, heading east before turning west along the coast. Waves crashed into the foot of Durlston Head sending spray up the rock face. Above Tilly Whim steps I first spotted one then another Adder basking. The first, more exposed, had its body bent double in two places, so to maximise the heat capture in these sunny spots. Today, the cave ledge was vacant, but a Peregrine Falcon drifted past, heading east, along the cliff face. Herring Gulls also travelled into the wind.
There were many runners and volunteers about preparing, for what looked to become, a successful first Durlston Park Run. The dense Gorse cover beside the diagonal path wobbled jellylike in the wind. I enjoyed the sweet coconut scent of its flowers. Today, I saw fresh Sycamore leaves, along with more Hawthorn and Bramble leaves revealed. I ventured into the woodlands to check upon Ramsons and Three-Cornered Leeks, however, they only showed flowers still. A Chiff Chaff was calling near the Solent Road Yews. Upon Solent Road it was pleasant to escape the roar of the wind that I left behind amongst the coastal woodland. In Smithfield Daffodil flowers stood amongst Mont Brescia blades. A Horse Sparrow was hanging around the hide entrance whilst a Song Thrush performed nearby.